Fantasy Tip: Brinkley and Battle will likely split up the carries if RB Ronnie Brown (hamstring) cannot play in Week 16. That's because RB Ryan Mathews (clavicle) left Sunday's game with a season-ending injury. Brinkley might get first crack after looking more impressive after Mathews left the game, but both he and Battle are only worth a look as a flex play at best in deeper leagues in Week 16. Even that is a bit risky at this juncture of the fantasy season.

Updating a previous report, San Diego Chargers RB Jackie Battle is listed as the starting running back on the depth chart at this point but a team spokesperson said that is only because Battle started in Week 4. The team still has confidence in RB Ryan Mathews and it likely will not take long before Mathews is listed as the starter again.

Fantasy Tip: A follow-up report noted a team spokesperson saying that Battle was listed as No. 1 on the Web site because he "just started last week, so that's why he's there." This alone should remind you about the fluidity of Norv Turner's backfield.

Battle looks like the best red zone option because of Mathews' fumbling issues, but for the long haul, Mathews is the safer bet to finish as San Diego's top fantasy back. Those in point-per-reception leagues should be more confident in starting Mathews, who'll still yield flex value even if he's second fiddle and presents an attractive buy-low opportunity. Battle has been a popular pickup that will chiefly be good for touchdown opportunities; he's not a dynamic runner otherwise.

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews did not start in the team's Week 4 win, as RB Jackie Battle started the game. Mathews did not play at all in the third quarter, and he had just four carries by the start of the fourth quarter. However, he was featured in the fourth with 10 carries for 60 yards, in addition to an eight-yard reception. Head coach Norv Turner said after the game he has "great trust" in Mathews.

Fantasy Tip: It's clear the team was sending Mathews a message following his costly fumble in Week 3.
Despite coming off the bench in Week 4, Mathews finished with a team-high 61 rushing yards. Owners should continue to monitor this situation. If Mathews can protect the football, he will remain the starting back. Battle, however, could see more carries as he was solid in Week 4 with 81 total yards and a pair of scores, in addition to four receptions.

Fantasy Tip: Brown might be a decent one-week RB3 or 'flex' fantasy play, especially if you were holding out hope for Mathews, but don't add Brown in place of a player with longer term value to your squad.

San Diego Chargers RB Jackie Battle is viewed as a "triple value" to general manager A.J. Smith. "We've been talking to Jackie Battle for a while. We think he's an outstanding player," Smith said. "He's been added for depth. We feel he has triple value. He is an outstanding special teamer. He's also a good running back and can help us at fullback."

The San Diego Chargers likely will sign a veteran free-agent running back this offseason to add depth at the position but are willing to wait until players are willing to accept the veteran minimum. Free-agent RBs Jackie Battle (Chiefs) and Cadillac Williams (Rams) are considered options or the Chargers.

The San Diego Chargers hosted free-agent RB Jackie Battle (Chiefs) Tuesday, March 20. He met with team personnel and toured the team's facilities. He is a candidate to join the mix as a backup behind starting tailback Ryan Mathews.

The San Diego Chargers are closing in on the point of no return with free-agent RB Mike Tolbert. The team wants to know if Tolbert will return or not. If he doesn't, the team may look at free-agent RB Jackie Battle (Chiefs) shortly. Re-signing Tolbert is the team's first option, but they may turn their attention toward other veteran free-agent running backs if Tolbert doesn't seem like he will return soon.